Isiyaku Ahmed
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 25 August 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
He congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion, urging Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, humility and service associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad.
Tunji-Ojo said the annual commemoration provided an opportunity for citizens to draw lessons from the Prophet’s exemplary life and apply them to contemporary national challenges.
“Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others.
“These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and national cohesion, stressing that the responsibility for sustaining the country’s unity rested on all citizens.
He urged Muslims and other Nigerians celebrating the occasion to do so with restraint, mutual respect and a commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The minister wished the Muslim community a peaceful and joyous Eid ul Mawlid and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and promoting peace across the country.
